NBC just announced that it will be streaming all 302 medal events from the 2012 Summer Olympics in London to U.S. viewers via its new iPhone and iPad app. Not only will NBC be streaming everything live on its Olympics website, but these two new iOS apps will also stream each event as it happens in real time. Over 3,500 hours of event coverage will be streamed to desktop and mobile viewers, making this year’s Olympics coverage the most internet-friendly in history.

The only catch is that viewers will need to verify in-app that they are subscribed to a cable/satellite provider that includes CNBC and MSNBC.

When attempting to access a live stream or full replay, you will be prompted to select your cable, satellite or telco TV provider (e.g. Comcast, Time Warner, DirecTV, AT&T) from a list. You then will be asked to verify your TV subscription — this often means only entering the username/password corresponding to the online account you established with your provider.

Unlike previous years, live event streams will not be delayed for viewers on the web or mobile apps. This is a huge step in the right direction, but it’s still unfortunate that cord-cutters are omitted from the live feeds.

Both apps are powered by Adobe, and the second NBC Olympics app will feature short-form highlights, schedules, live results, columns, athlete profiles, and the new Primetime Companion feature. NBC wants you to think of it as a companion app to complement NBC Olympics Live Extra.

They would have to pay me to watch this dreck. Rather than medals, just post the value of sponsorships for podium positions and the income of the ‘Olympic Officials’. The Olympics even corrupted the Mormons. Yeeech…

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Alex Heath is a senior writer at Cult of Mac and co-host of the CultCast. He has been quoted by the likes of the BBC, KRON 4 News, and books like "ICONIC: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation." If you want to pitch a story, share a tip, or just get in touch, additional contact information is available on his personal site. Twitter always works too.

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